Seeking Understanding of Problem Gambling

iCarol is proud to be the technology provider powering 1-800-GAMBLER, the National Problem Gambling Helpline which offers 24/7 Phone, Chat, and SMS/Texting services. March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a nationwide grassroots campaign held each year to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), this initiative educates individuals, communities, and organizations on the risks associated with gambling addiction and how to seek help.

#PGAM2025 Theme: Seeking Understanding

The theme for Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2025, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, we can encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide better support to those affected by gambling-related harm.

PGAM Goals

The primary goals of PGAM are:

• To Increase Public Awareness: Educating the public on the risks of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
• To Encourage Screening: Motivating healthcare providers to screen clients for gambling disorder and promote early intervention.
• To Promote Responsible Gambling Practices: Advocating for responsible gaming measures across betting platforms and in legislation.

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling refers to behaviors that disrupt an individual’s personal, professional, or financial well-being due to compulsive or uncontrolled gambling habits. While gambling can be recreational for many, some individuals develop an addiction that leads to severe consequences, including financial ruin, relationship breakdowns, and mental health struggles.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Recognizing the warning signs of problem gambling is crucial for early intervention. Some common signs include:

• Preoccupation with gambling and constant thoughts about placing bets.
• Inability to stop or control gambling despite negative consequences.
• Chasing losses by continuing to gamble to recover money.
• Lying to family or friends about gambling habits.
• Experiencing financial difficulties, such as borrowing money or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when not gambling.

PGAM Events and Resources

Gambling Disorder Screening Day

To improve screening for gambling disorder, NCPG has partnered with the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction to develop a free Gambling Disorder Screening Day Toolkit. This initiative aims to make gambling disorder screening more accessible and effective for healthcare providers and organizations. Screening Day 2025 takes place on Tuesday, March 11.

PGAM Promotional Toolkit

To support awareness efforts, NCPG provides a PGAM Promotional Toolkit, which includes:

• Problem gambling FAQs
• Best practices for social media engagement
• A press release template
• Educational resources for community outreach

Access the toolkit here.

Seeking Help: Resources and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, resources are available to help:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential support.
• Gamblers Anonymous (GA): A peer support network providing meetings and recovery programs.
• Counseling Services: Professional therapy and support groups can assist with overcoming gambling addiction.
• Self-Exclusion Programs: Many casinos and online gambling platforms offer self-exclusion options to help individuals control their gambling habits.

Join the Movement

This March, take part in Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2025 by spreading the message, supporting those in need, and promoting responsible gambling practices. Whether you are an individual, organization, or policymaker, raising awareness about problem gambling can help prevent addiction and foster healthier communities.

For more information, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling at www.ncpgambling.org